Levator Ani Syndrome

What is Levator Ani Syndrome?

Levator Ani Syndrome results from spasm in the pelvic floor muscles. It is often
caused by trauma in or around the pelvis, abdomen or back. Weak muscles can also
spasm.

Determining Whether You Have Levator Ani Syndrome

There are no laboratory tests for this condition. Levator Ani Syndrome is a collection
of symptoms and findings. Not all patients have all the symptoms. Only your doctor
can diagnose Levator Ani Syndrome. The most common symptoms include:

Deep dull aching in the rectum/vagina

Referred pain to the thigh and buttock

Sensation of “sitting on a ball.” Pain is worse in sitting and with bowel movement.

Spasms and pain in the pelvic floor muscle

Pain during or after intercourse

Tests usually show there is no inflammatory bowel disease, infection, ulcers or
other bowel problem.

Treatments

Medications to decrease muscle spasm and pain.

Biofeedback to learn how to relax and contract the pelvic floor muscles properly.

Electrical stimulation to the pelvic floor muscles can relax these muscles and
increase circulation and promote healing.

TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) electrical stimulation to the
pelvic floor nerves in the lower spine may help to “cover up” the pain and to relax
the muscles.
Levator Ani Syndrome

Physical therapy to treat spasm in the buttock muscles or problems in the
sacroiliac joint.

Heat and ultrasound can be used by physical therapists to relax the pelvic
floor muscles.

A special form of rectal and buttock massage can be performed by the
doctor or therapist to decrease pain and spasm.